Question

How can extinction be avoided with operant conditioning?

A. Establish a strong value for a conditioned stimulus.
B. Merge classical conditioning with operant conditioning techniques.
C. Continuously reinforce a behavior, even after it is learned.
D. Introduce variable reinforcement paradigms.

Answer 1

Extinction in operant conditioning can be avoided by using variable reinforcement paradigms. This approach rewards behavior unpredictably, making it more resistant to extinction compared to predictable reinforcement schedules.

Step-by-step explanation:

In operant conditioning, extinction can be avoided by utilizing a variable reinforcement schedule. Extinction refers to the decrease in the conditioned response when reinforcement stops. To prevent this, one should introduce variable reinforcement paradigms. This involves rewarding a behavior after an unpredictable number of responses, making it more resistant to extinction compared to other schedules, like fixed intervals, where reinforcement is predictable and thus, the behavior is more easily extinguished. Continuous reinforcement, where a behavior is rewarded every time, is effective for establishing a behavior initially but is not as effective at preventing extinction once the behavior is learned because the subject might stop the behavior quickly once the continuous reinforcement is withdrawn.